
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a major life transition, such as moving to a new neighborhood or feeling like an outsider at school. It offers a grounded, compassionate look at how families maintain their core identity while adapting to a brand new environment. By following the real-life journey of the Mahmoud family from Egypt to New York City, children can see that the feelings of missing home and the excitement of new beginnings can exist at the same time. The book provides a realistic bridge for discussing cultural differences, the value of religious traditions, and the universal experience of striving for a better future. It is particularly effective for building empathy in kids who may have classmates from different backgrounds, or for reassuring those who are beginning their own journey in a new place.
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Sign in to write a reviewSome context on Egyptian culture or Islamic practices may be needed for children unfamiliar.
The book deals with identity and the 'otherness' of being an immigrant in a direct, documentary style. It touches on the financial and social hardships of starting over, presented realistically but without being overly distressing. The tone is secular in its observation of religious practice, and the resolution is hopeful yet grounded in the reality of hard work.
An 8 to 12 year old who is either experiencing a significant move or is curious about the diverse backgrounds of their peers. It is perfect for a child who prefers real-life stories over fiction and appreciates seeing 'real' people in photographs.
This book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to answer questions about Islam and geography. There are no 'scary' scenes, but some children may find the sadness of the family saying goodbye to their relatives in Egypt a bit emotional. A parent might choose this after hearing their child express frustration about not fitting in at school, or after a child asks why a neighbor or classmate wears a hijab or speaks another language.
Younger children (8-9) will focus on the visual differences in the photos: the clothing, the food, and the city streets. Older children (10-12) will better grasp the concepts of economic opportunity, the emotional weight of immigration, and the nuance of balancing dual identities.
Unlike many illustrated books on immigration, the use of full-color photography by Bernard Wolf gives this a 'time capsule' feel that provides immediate, tangible credibility to the narrative. It moves beyond metaphor to show the actual face of the modern immigrant experience.
The book follows the Mahmoud family as they emigrate from Alexandria, Egypt, to Queens, New York. Through detailed photography and narrative text, it documents their final days in Egypt, the logistics of their move, and their subsequent adjustment to American life. It highlights their efforts to maintain their Muslim faith and Egyptian heritage while navigating new schools, jobs, and the English language.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.